Recently, one of its atzei ḥayyim—the wooden handles that hold and support the scroll—broke. Not only did this make hagbah (lifting the Torah) impossible, but it also created a moment of reflection: even sacred things...
This evening brought news of possibility: perhaps not just a ceasefire, but permanent peace, a path to Palestinian self-determination, and a new horizon of security for Israel. Nothing is certain, and we know how quickly...
Last night, I was up in Sturgeon Bay in Door County officiating at a wedding, with dinner and dancing overlooking the Bay. During the nighttime, we were told we could see the Northern Lights. I...
If you ask my kids what matters most to me as a parent, they’ll both say: that they get along. I’ve always told them this because the two of them will likely be in each...
Having posted just a little bit ago, I have now heard the tragic news of the Highland Park shooting. I’ll now add one personal thought as we continue to pray for the victims of the...
Today, on July 4th, I’m reflecting on the U.S. Its remarkable accomplishments and its struggles, its contributions to society and the world and where we still needs to go. Amid the celebrations of July 4th...
In our Torah portion this week, shlah, we are taught once again that there should be one law for all in the Israelite community. Whether a person is an Israelite, a resident alien, or a...
(Note: for the past 18 months, a group of dedicated learners have joined me for weekly classes on Pirkei Avot. We completed our study of the text last week, and these are my reflections.) The...
In yesterday’s Torah reading, parashat Eikev, we read the following three words: “v’ahalta, v’savata, u’veirahta (and you shall eat, you shall be satiated, and you shall bless)”. From this, the rabbis derived the mitzvah of...
Let’s not confuse justice with accountability. In Judaism, we learn that justice is about society, the community, the collective (e.g., Exodus 22:20-21, Deuteronomy 15:7-8). There can be justice for an individual but only in the context...
